Just because you are traveling with kids doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a drink. Actually, when traveling with kids it is a necessity to have a little somethin’ somethin’ and when in Old Town San Diego, tequila is the name of the game. Every September Old Town hosts the Tequila Trail which a celebration and sampling of the wonderful world of tequila, but the rest of the year visitors can wonder into any one of the fantastic bars or restaurants to sample and sip on some of Mexico’s most special and unique (and tasty) tequilas. As an regular drinking visitor, I’m going to show you where to drink in Old Town San Diego.

Now, get the images of college bar $1 shots and nasty hangovers out your head, because good tequila is meant to sipped and enjoyed as would be a nice whiskey. Not to be pounded or slurped out of a belly button. Make sure the tequila is 100% blue agave, otherwise you are just drinking fillers and that is the crap that gets you sick. Obviously if you drink too much of anything you will get sick, so drink in moderation. I love tequila and drink it regularly, as some would enjoy wine, but even I have to be reminded of this rule the hard way from time to time. Ugh.

O’Hungry’s:

Okay, I don’t drink tequila here, but this where we kicks off. It has become tradition to start with a yard beer at O’Hungry’s, leave our mark with a dollar bill and leave feeling fine. The yards are $15 for domestic and $20 for imported which is really good deal. Drinking them takes some skill, especially if you are surrounded by children (which I always am). For the lighter drinker or the light budget get the ½ yard or the mug for $2. Yes $2!! The food is really inexpensive and my son goes to town on the bottomless soup bowl for $6. The atmosphere is great for families, because it’s loud, casual and they can decorate a dollar bill to tape on the wall. When you visit, look for our dollars. They are everywhere!

*Since this post O’Hungry’s has gone under new ownership. I will post updated chances after my next visit.

Fiesta De Reyes/Casa De Reyes:

This is where the party is at. Live music, dancing, shops and more, this is our favorite spot to hangout in Old Town. Within Fiesta De Reyes you can shop, watch the performances and enjoy giant beers or mixed cocktails. There is also a place to beer taste from local breweries.

In the restaurant Casa De Reyes, which is within Fiesta De Reyes, you can feast on delicious Mexican comfort food and the bar is fully loaded. The options of tequila are fantastic. I know it a bit pricey, but I encourage you to try a shot of the Clase Azul Tequila. It is so buttery and delicious.

The main reason we go to Casa De Reyes is for the El Jefe Margarita served with our choice of beer plopped inside the jumbo glass. It is fun. It is jumbo. It is yummy.

Old Town Mexican Café:

With a great selection of tequila and scrumptious street tacos, this makes for a fun little pit stop. We usually don’t spend a huge amount of time at this establishment; because Fiesta De Reyes is has so much entertainment, but it is definitely worth the stop. The also host tequila dinners which pair various brands of features tequila with a coursed meal.The kids will enjoy watching the ladies make homemade tortillas as the parents enjoy a libation.

El Agave:

If you love tequila or really want to try, I encourage you to check out this place. They have over 2000 different tequilas displayed throughout the restaurant, making it a tequila museum of sorts. They even have their own brand of tequila. It is up a ways from the main plaza and not extremely kid- friendly, so we don’t make trek up there often.

Tequila Factory:

Tequila Factory is connected to the Hacienda, the hotel we always stay at while in town. If you like to read more about where to stay, click HERE. Anyway, this restaurant has spectacular views of old town and a great buffet breakfast and Bloody Marys. Be sure to check out promotions, because we often get tickets for a complimentary cocktail and breakfast. The problem is that we often dine here after we check out, but start having so much fun we end up calling into work and staying another night. We are naughty. 

Barra Barra Saloon:

That’s A Wrap!

When looking for where to drink in Old Town, the options are endless. The one’s I’ve mentioned are the ones that I personally love to visit and have made a part of my drinking routine every time I make my way to this historically awesome city. Remember when you travel with kids it is important that the adults have fun too. Travel should be fun for everyone, so here’s to tequila, here’s to family travel, and here’s to a good time! Salute!

Have you ever been to Old Town?

What place looks the most interesting to you?